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Job Description
Working Title
Assistant General Counsel
Posting Number
NFE02815P
Department
SDSU-Legal Counsel
Physical Location of Position (City)
Brookings
Posting Text
The South Dakota State University (SDSU) Office of General Counsel is currently seeking a dynamic, collegial, and collaborative Assistant General Counsel to join our team. The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting SDSU?s legal needs by providing guidance on a wide range of legal issues, including litigation, employment law, compliance, and policies impacting the university community. This role is located in Brookings, South Dakota and is a 12-month, full-time, benefits-eligible position.
Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.
KEYRESPONSIBILITIES:
The Assistant General Counsel will provide legal guidance and representation in a wide range of matters, including administrative and legal proceedings, litigation, and employment law. Responsibilities include serving as lead counsel in litigation cases, advising SDSU Human Resources on employment-related issues, and assisting with EEOC, DOL, and DOJ inquiries and investigations. The Assistant General Counsel will also review, draft, and analyze legal documents, provide legal and factual research, and support the development of policies and procedures. Additionally, this role will involve managing subpoenas and public records requests, assisting with grievance processes, and handling a variety of higher education legal matters, including Title IX, Clery Act, and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), as directed by the SDSU VP and General Counsel.
BENEFITS:
South Dakota State University is the state?s largest, most comprehensive university with over $60 million annual research expenditures, more than 200 academic programs and an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students. We offer a rich academic experience in an environment of inclusions and access. The university is part of a dynamic community for families, students, young professionals, and retirees, which offers an abundance of attractions and activities. South Dakota State University offers a wide range of excellent benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave. Employees also have access to internal and state-sponsored training as well as reduced tuition for state-supported courses at all State of South Dakota academic institutions.
MINIMUMQUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) and Juris Doctor (JD) from an ABA-accredited law school completed by date of application;
- At least one year of successful experience as a practicing attorney;
- Member in good standing of the South Dakota Bar, or licensure with the South Dakota Bar within 12 months of hire required;
- Demonstrated strong critical thinking and problem solving skills;
- Strong legal research, analytical, and writing skills;
- Ability to digest state and federal requirements and limitations/opportunities and findings into cohesive and succinct documents;
- Strong communication skills with all constituencies, coupled with the tenacity and ability to manage a significant caseload across multiple areas of law, including handling assigned appearances in proceedings;
- Strict adherence to deadlines, with a self-starter mentality and strong independent work skills;
- Strong organizational and project management skills, with proficiency in MS Office and the ability to use various office equipment and software; and
- A valid driver?s license or ability to obtain within 30 days of employment.
PREFERREDQUALIFICATIONS:
- Experience practicing law in higher education, government practice, compliance, litigation, administrative or civil actions, employment or related area.
APPLICATIONPROCESS:
This system will guide you through the electronic application form. This employment site will also require the attachment of a cover letter, which should specifically address how the candidate meets the qualifications as outlined in the advertisement, resume, legal writing sample not to exceed five (5) pages (attached as other document), and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references. Email applications will not be accepted. Please contact SDSU Human Resources at (605) 688-4128 if you require assistance with this process.
Any offer of employment is contingent on the university?s verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to, successful completion of a criminal background check.
South Dakota State University is a tobacco free environment. It is the policy of the University to maintain a drug-free environment and to thereby establish, promote, and maintain a safe and healthy working and learning environment for employees and students. This position is subject to South Dakota State University?s Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy 4:14.
Posting Date
08/08/2025
Closing Date
09/08/2025
Open Until Filled
No
First Consideration Date
Advertised Salary
The minimum starting salary for the Assistant General Counsel is $120,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience
Duration of the Term
12 months
If Other, describe duration
Appointment Percent
100%
Work Hours
8 a.m. ? 5 p.m. weekdays.
Typical Hours Worked Per Week
Appointment Type
Regular
Faculty Status
No
Scope of Search
External (includes Internal)
If internal, define scope of search
This position requires
Travel, Overnight stays, Weekends/Holidays, Valid Drivers License
If other, please indicate
Department Description and Cultural Expectations
The South Dakota State University Office of General Counsel coordinates and provides efficient and effective legal and other related services to university employees on matters that involve or affect the university, while upholding the university?s core values.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
South Dakota State University promotes access to and opportunities for all to receive the benefit of and participate in education, research, and service and is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to this land-grant access mission. SDSU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to, and SDSU prohibits unlawful discrimination of all legally protected classes in the offering of all educational programs and employment. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by emailing HR@sdstate.edu. Individuals with concerns regarding discrimination should contact: Equal Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources, Morrill Hall 100, SDSU, Brookings, SD 57007. Phone: (605) 688-4128.
Contact Information
For questions on the position, contact Tracy Greene, SDSU Vice President and General Counsel, at 605-688-5248 or Tracy.Greene@sdstate.edu.
Qualification
Juris Doctor (JD)
Practice Areas & Specialty
Education Law, Government
Designation
Counsel
Key Skills Required
Project ManagementMS OfficeAdherence To DeadlinesBackground CheckCommunicationComplianceComprehensiveCritical ThinkingDevelopmentElectronic ApplicationEmployment LawEqual Employment OpportunityGuidanceLearningLearning EnvironmentLegal DocumentsLegal ResearchLegal WritingLicensureLitigationManagementOffice EquipmentPolicies and ProceduresProblem SolvingRelated ServicesResearchTrainingWriting